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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Back to back baby

11 replies

Brady132 · 02/04/2019 08:53

I’m 38 weeks pregnant and baby has been back to back since 34 weeks pregnant. I have done what they advised to turn baby but no luck. I wasnt worried about labour, but now I am, as everyone keeps telling me how painful labour will be if baby doesn’t turn.
Anyone else been told baby is back to back or had a back to back birth previously?

OP posts:

Chocolateandwineplease27 · 02/04/2019 09:10

My son was b2b. He was actually in a great position right up until my waters broke but then turned so I esky would try not to worry - a lot can change. My labour was painful but got through it with only gas and air at the pushing stage. The hardest part was that the midwives didn't actually believe I was in labour as I didn't have established contractions which I think is typical of back to back

xJune88 · 02/04/2019 09:13

Following for advice my baby is also back to back, 34 weeks so she has time to turn but I want to hear about other people's experiences just incase she doesn't 🙈

Blgb · 02/04/2019 09:25

Hi
I'm 38 weeks aswell and got told at 36 weeks he was back to back so been on the ball etc. Don't know whether it's made a difference yet?!
The midwife didn't seem too concerned about it thou and said that I should be able to deliver normally although the contractions would probably start in my back and I'd feel them more there. I wouldn't worry about it too much OP as you'll get yourself stressed which won't be good for baby. I'm a very much just take it as it comes kind of person and just on the lookout for other symptoms that might indicate labour rather than just contractions. Good luck!

seeingdots · 02/04/2019 10:07

My first was B2B and was not for turning before labour. In the end she turned on her own during labour. Ended up with just a 4 and a bit hour labour from first twinge, and that was induced. So take heart, it doesn't mean it will necessarily be long and drawn out for you!

SilentSister · 02/04/2019 10:13

DD2 was born B2B. Didn't know until labour was in full swing though, she had obviously turned quite late on in the process.

As second labour, probably easier, and had no issues at all, first contraction to birth only 3 hours and she came out face up with her arm outstretched next to her head, just like Superman . She's been quite unique every since !!

WeeDangerousSpike · 02/04/2019 10:18

I've only had one DC, so haven't anything to compare it to, but it was b2b.

I didn't know she was b2b till after the birth, it was very painful - but I don't have a not b2b labour to compare it to.

She tried to turn too late and got stuck, luckily they got her out with forceps and ventouse at the last second - I'd already had a spinal block and was prepped for emcs at that point because she was in distress.

I hope if they had known she was b2b they would have been less dismissive of the pain I was in when I first arrived at 3cm, but who knows.

Good luck, and advocate for yourself / make sure your birth partner will if you aren't able to. Especially in terms of epidural or stopping hcp when examinations are painful etc.

A mumsnetter midwife has suggested the phrase 'stop this right now!' if there's something you are saying to stop doing and they are ignoring you (hopefully it won't be needed, but just having that phrase ready can make you feel more in control) and also asking them to note in writing that they are refusing you an epidural if you ask and they do the 'oh let's see how it goes for a bit' thing.

Good luck

Teddybear45 · 02/04/2019 10:19

My dn was too. There is more of a chance of a tear but the doctors can manage that proactively now that they know.

ForgivenessIsDivine · 02/04/2019 10:21

Have a look at the Spinning Babies website and the positions they recommend to help with this.

chocodrops · 02/04/2019 10:34

My DD (now 8 weeks) was back to back. My experience was not good, 5 days from first contraction to birth. Contractions never got established and i was 4.5 days getting to 3cm so they wouldn't admit me or give pain relief because I was in the 'early stages and still had a long way to go'. Then I went from 3cm to 10cm in less than an hour. Contractions never settled into normal 3 in 10 minute pattern, I pushed for 3 hours but she wasn't getting out so they gave me induction drugs and I insisted on an epidural then. Still no regular contractions so I ended up with a ventouse delivery in theatre.

For me contractions were no more painful at the end than the start but the midwives were quite dismissive and at one point suggested aroma-flipping-therapy lol.

Everyone's experience is unique and there's nothing to say you'll go through anything like I did, but forewarned is forearmed. If I was in it again I'd insist on seeing a doctor sooner to at least set a plan with them myself. The midwives were relaying between me and the docs, I don't think they took my pain seriously and never gave me any options other than 'endure till you're 4cm'.

You'll get through it whatever happens, stay strong mama! Good luck!!!

CocoLoco87 · 02/04/2019 10:41

I've had 2 x b2b. I survived them both yes they hurt like hell, but at least second time round it was only 12 hours of pain instead of 24!

Eat something as soon as you think you're in labour. I didn't feel like eating with DC1 and I had very little energy to push him out by the end. DC2 we were wolfing down Macdonalds en route to hosp as I knew what to do and it massively helped.

I found little comfort in pain relief but it was helpful to have DH digging his fingers into the small of my back with each contraction.

Chocolateandwineplease27 · 02/04/2019 11:44

Also the only position I found "OK" in labour was lying down on the loo - which is when I got the urge to start pushing (after being told I wasn't in established labour). Son was nearly born on the toilet
I think you just have to keep in mind - and as you can probably tell from above - a b2b Labour won't follow the "normal" stages so you have to trust your body is doing all the hard work even if you're not actually dilated that much.

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